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The two sat in her secret pavilion. Moving the shogi pieces as they further progressed the game. Every so often a rosey pink eye would catch those of shimmering ruby stealing a glance. An all too cocky smirk from the pirate. Causing a slight flush to the Tianquan's cheek. And a move that would result in loss. Or those of shimmering rubies would catch the rosey pink. Causing the pirate to make an overconfident move. That would also result in loss. Many games went by as the two played silently. Words did not need to be spoken. Rather they preferred to dance around one another's feelings.
The pirate would find it comforting. In a sense that she did not have the other to way down her decisions. To keep her at the bay. Yet she always still found herself anchored, and coming back for more. The Tianquan would tell herself it was for mere business transactions. To keep peace at the harbor and to keep the pirates at bay. Yet she would willingly spend any if not all of her free time with the other. Calling it a business arrangement each time.
But they both knew the truth. Through subtle touches, and sideway glances. The small laughter, the sweet words. They both knew the truth between them. Keeping the two together no matter the cost. Even if at points it did give them both, quite the reputation. Beidou who did not fear the Tianquan. Rather challenged her apparently. The Tianquan, looked down upon due to her leniency towards the captain. Yet neither of them bothered with such idle chatter or rumors. Rather instead pushing through as results spoke louder than that of gossip. Which, if one were to hear the right whispers, would know what was truly going on.
The longing gaze Ningguang held towards Beidou. Yet would always change to one of irritation when caught, frustration when called out on. Yet the way her eyes would narrow as she looked away. Or how her cheeks would become a vivid pink, they all knew her true feelings. Beidou out of pure respect for Ningguang would drop such a thing around others. But alone was, completely different.
Beidou now leaning across the table. Eye half lidded as she rested her chin in her hand. Eyeing down the other who was trying her best to not notice. But between the cute little squirms that were given, and the darting eyes that went between her, the board, and the pavilion. She knew she had caught her interest far more than the game.
"Say... You know, you're pretty damn cute once you start showin' your emotions."
"B-Beidou..! Cease your cheap compliments. It, won't help you win."
There it was.... The blush the captain had deemed gorgeous. That simply made her wish to sweep the lady off her feet. One of her many fantasies. Sweeping the blonde into her arms, watching the smaller frame flail and expecting a cute squeal from being caught off guard. Before she would steal her lips for her own. Making her truly melt and lose every bit of reservation she had. Wanting her arms to wrap around herself, and sharp nails to dig through chocolatey hair. Steal her as her own.
"As you wish... But course not, you are the brains of my bronze."
There it was, that wink that would drive Ningguang crazy. That would make her stiffen as her own fantasy would play out in her head. How if Beidou would say a simple. "Come here" and pat her lap how she would oblige. To straddle her robust thighs as her own would be caressed, hands wondering up her sides as her own would find her way to the broad shoulders, steadying herself as if to not completely fumble as they would entangle into a passionate kiss. However at the slightest command she knew she would crumble then.
But rather, nothing happened as they continued the game. Ningguang just scoffing at her statement. Making her next move only to shortly end the game. Beidou just smiling even though she lost.
"One of these days, you're going to lose to me. And you'll love every single second."
"E-Excuse me..?!" Her eyes would narrow as if to try and hide she was caught off guard. But by those sentences she felt herself blushing once more. Beidou simply smirking before chuckling a little bit. Looking far too smug. This is exactly why people thought they did not like one another.
"You're excused once you lose." She teased slightly. Only to stand up, reaching above her head as she stretched. Back popping into place as she did so. Ningguang cringing at the sound, only to frown slightly.
"You should come with me to the spa... It really won't be that bad." Her concerned for the other, shading her thoughts of rationality. However the other just took it to her advantage. "Nah, you know I'm not the type for that kinda stuff... unless." There it was, that mischievous tone as Beidou wrapped an arm around Ningguang, leaning down close to her ear. Warm breath that smelled of citrus and salt washing over her senses. Repulsive to most but it only drew her further. Especially knowing she was the only one who could see the Captain sober. "You finally wanna give me that kiss you've been holding out on... But if I see you, I won't be able to resist anymore..." There was more than just a flirtatious tone to her voice, one that would have Ningguang shivering at the serious tone. Almost biting her bottom lip. However her pride had her by her throat already. Not quite ready for such a relationship herself. So instead she scoffed as she shut her eyes. Acting as if irked. "It was a simple offer to relieve that awful tension of yours."
At that Beidou laughed, slapping the other's back before standing straight up once more. "Haha, you're really something else. Next thing you know you would be offering me a place to sleep."
"..."
"..."
There was an obvious pout to the blonde now. Making her feel guilty for her words before. Looking away as she felt her cheeks redden with embarrassment. "Sorry... It's, appreciated. But uh, I gotta crew to get back to..."
"I know, it's, quite alright..." She nodded, knowing her own responsibilities had been pushed off far enough for the latter. However Ningguang just smiled softly, staring down at the stone patterns below. "I, do not think it would be appreciated that I would keep them waiting any longer... Mr. Zhongli wished to speak to me..."
"Oh..." Beidou's face dropped as she looked at her. Knowing that the man wasn't one to keep waiting anyways. "Haha, guess you have... send my apologies, won't ya..?" Ningguang nodded in response, beginning to smile once more. "But of course." However the same question would plague her mind, as it did every time their time together would come to an end.
"Beidou, when are you leaving..?" "And when do you plan to return..?" However that later question was unknown, why Ningguang had not said it out loud. Beidou shrugging at that as she thought about it. "Not sure. Seas have been roarin' more lately. So I told the crew to enjoy some time with their families." That, was strange... The seas had been calm and beautiful every day she had remembered. Except for the attack on Liyue, but sense then... "Has there been any sightings of-" "No, rest assured, no beasts of the sea of been seen yet." She let out a sigh of relief at that. However she couldn't drop the uneasy feeling. Idly twiddling with her pipe as she thought about why this could have been so. "Hey, don't worry about it. I'm sure it'll calm down soon enough." And there it was, the calm and assuring smile Beidou would provide. That would make her heart flutter, yet send a feeling of ease into her mind. "Right..." She gave a small nod back before finally standing up.
"So, my lady, want a kiss for good luck?" "Wh-what??" "So that your meeting goes well with Mr. Tall, Lanky, and Serious?" Beidou smirked as Ningguang cleared her throat. Trying to get a hold of herself as to not turn just red at the offer alone. "Don't, tease like that, I do not appreciate such gestures. Besides, it's just rude." She huffed at that to which Beidou smirk grew into a smile.
"As you wish."
With that Beidou had grabbed her free hand and pulled her over to kiss her on the cheek before letting go. Walking away as she left a dumbfounded Ningguang. No matter how many times she had actually done something like that, she could never get use to it. A hand slowly raising up to cover her cheek where the sensation was still burned into her skin. "Wh... Why did you do that..?!" "Good luck of course. See ya soon Nigguang."
"Right..."